Information for Pro Se Bankruptcy Filers The information below is intended to answer common questions from Pro Se bankruptcy filers and is not legal advice. This information is subject to change without notice.

*Pro Se Bankruptcy Filers are persons filing their own cases without attorneys.

 Chapter 12 - "Family Farmer or Fisherman "
A family farmer or family fisherman may be a debtor under chapter 12. A chapter 12 case provides you the opportunity to restructure your debts through a payment plan, which normally lasts three years. With court approval, a plan may last up to five years. The chapter 12 Trustee receives all funds you pay through the plan and pays creditors from these funds.

Filing Requirements
An original of the following is required when filing a chapter 12:
  • Notice to Individual Consumer Debtor(s)*
  • Voluntary Petition*
  • Statement of Social Security Number(s) (Individuals Only) and not available to public
  • Exhibit D - Individual Debtor's Statement of Compliance With Credit Counseling and Certificate of Credit Counseling (or Certificate of Exigent Circumstance or Motion for Exemption) (Individuals Only)
  • Fees - a payment due at time of filing*
  • List of Creditors - Mailing Matrix*
  • Summary of Schedules and Statistical Summary of Certain Liabilities
  • Schedules A through J
  • Statement of Financial Affairs
  • Chapter 12 Plan (may be filed with petition but must be filed within 90 days thereafter except as otherwise provided for by local bankruptcy rule)
  • Disclosure Statement of Bankruptcy Petition Preparer (Form B280), if applicable
  • Copies of Payment Advices (earning statement, pay stubs, etc.) for last 60 days with only the last 4 digits of Social Security Number
*You must file the minimum requirements to initiate a bankruptcy case.

Note: Your Chapter 12 Plan payments must be mailed to the Chapter 12 Trustee's Office in the division where the case was filed.